Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
L-Ascorbic Acid · AA2G / SAP / MAP Options · Brightening Active
Vitamin C cosmetic grade is used by skincare brands developing brightening serums, antioxidant day creams, uneven-tone products, eye creams, masks, and professional active skincare lines. Buyers usually need help choosing between pure L-ascorbic acid and more stable derivatives.
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Request a Sample →Product Specifications
| Source | Cosmetic grade vitamin C active |
| INCI Name | Ascorbic Acid / Ascorbyl Glucoside / Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate / Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate depending on grade |
| Key Actives | L-ascorbic acid or vitamin C derivative |
| Available Specs | L-ascorbic acid · AA2G · SAP · MAP · custom derivative grades available |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Solubility | Water-soluble; pH and stability requirements vary strongly by derivative |
| Typical Use Level | 0.5%–20% depending on active form, pH, formula type, and regulatory review |
| Key Quality Control | Assay, pH suitability, heavy metals, microbiology, residual solvents where applicable, and stability profile |
| MOQ | 1kg (sample from 20g available) |
| Bulk Lead Time | 10–15 business days |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from manufacture date |
| Storage | Cool, dry place. Sealed container. Protect from light, heat, and moisture. |
| Available Certifications | GMP · ISO · Vegan · Non-GMO · Halal documentation available; COSMOS / Organic available by grade |
Cosmetic claims: Vitamin C can support brighter-looking skin, radiance, antioxidant care, and visible signs of aging. Avoid claims about treating melasma, medical hyperpigmentation, sun damage, or disease-related oxidative stress.
Formulation note: Pure L-ascorbic acid is powerful but pH-sensitive and oxidation-prone. Derivatives are often easier for mass-market formulas but need a different story and use level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use L-ascorbic acid when the brand wants classic high-active vitamin C positioning and can handle low pH, oxidation, and packaging requirements. Choose AA2G, SAP, or MAP when stability, gentleness, and easier formulation are more important. Do not compare them only by percentage because they behave differently.
Pure L-ascorbic acid usually needs a low pH system for best performance, while derivatives such as AA2G, SAP, and MAP work in different pH ranges. Tell us your target pH and formula type before choosing the grade.
Oxidation can cause visible yellowing or browning, especially in water-based L-ascorbic acid formulas. Oxygen, light, metal ions, heat, and unsuitable packaging can accelerate the change. Stability testing is essential before launch.
Keep claims cosmetic and appearance-focused: hydration, comfort, radiance, antioxidant care, smoother-looking skin, visible aging support, or even-looking tone depending on the ingredient. Avoid disease, treatment, SPF, wound-healing, or drug-style claims unless the finished product is reviewed under the correct regulatory pathway.
Every sample and bulk order includes COA, MSDS, and product specification sheet. For cosmetic ingredients, INCI support, heavy metal data, microbiology results, allergen statement, vegan / Non-GMO statement, flow chart, and country of origin declaration are available for bulk orders.
Vitamin C pairs well with ferulic acid, vitamin E, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, licorice, hyaluronic acid, grape seed extract, green tea extract, and peptides depending on formula pH.
Minimum bulk order is 1kg, with formulation samples available from 20g. Bulk lead time is usually 10–15 business days depending on selected specification, inventory, documentation requirements, and destination market.
Available documentation
Related ingredients
Derivative note
“Vitamin C” is not one ingredient. L-ascorbic acid, AA2G, SAP, and MAP have different pH, stability, and marketing implications.
Ready to sample Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)?
Tell us your formula pH, target claim, and whether you need pure ascorbic acid or a derivative. We will recommend the right grade and ship your sample within 2–3 business days.
Request a Sample →Time-to-Market Calculator: Pre-made Bases vs. Traditional OEM
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